2026-09-02 –, Himawari
Madagascar uses open-source tools such as DHIS2 and QGIS to geospatialize health data, enabling database management, automated indicators, spatial analysis, dashboards, and interactive web platforms for territorial planning and epidemiological surveillance within a One Health approach in resource-limited settings.
This presentation is based on the use of open-source tools linking DHIS2 with QGIS for the geospatial analysis of health data, based on a case study conducted in Madagascar. Although DHIS2 is widely used as a national system for health database management and health information analysis, its integration with GIS tools remains limited, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
The workflow covers the extraction of indicators and metadata through the DHIS2 API, followed by data processing and spatial joins, and finally cartographic visualization in QGIS using open standards. Metadata from DHIS2 enable the mapping of health facilities, the analysis of spatial disparities in health service coverage, and the visualization of the geographic distribution of disease cases for epidemiological surveillance and territorial planning.
The presentation highlights interoperability mechanisms, including the alignment of organizational units with administrative boundaries to automate spatial analysis. Based on FOSS4G principles, this interoperable approach is transferable to other countries and can integrate climatic, environmental, or socio-economic data within a One Health framework.
DHIS2 – Health Information Systems
- DHIS2 Madagascar : https://ministere-sante.mg/ – National data collection platform of the Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar.
- DHIS2 Official Site : https://www.dhis2.org/ – Complete documentation, tutorials, and guides for advanced users.QGIS – Geographic Information Systems
- QGIS Official Documentation : https://www.qgis.org/ – Manual and guides for advanced layer management, styling, and spatial analysis.DHIS2 ↔ QGIS Integration
- GitHub: https://github.com/dhis2 – Scripts and plugins to export DHIS2 data to GIS-compatible formats (CSV, GeoJSON).Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar
- Website: https://www.msanp.gov.mg/
This presentation focuses on demonstrating the use of open-source software, such as DHIS2 and QGIS (following open standards and FOSS4G principles), which can be combined for geospatial analysis of health data and public health decision-making. The essential open-source tools in these projects are:
1- DHIS2 – an open-source health information system used for the collection, aggregation, and structuring of health data at the national level.
2- QGIS – an open-source GIS software enabling cartographic visualization, geospatial analysis, and integration of data from DHIS2.
3- Plugins – used to ensure interoperability, data processing, and the creation of interactive maps.
Miora Harivony Rakotondrabe is a multidisciplinary geoscience specialist graduated from the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar. His expertise includes mining geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, environmental sciences, and geomatics, with additional experience in radiation protection and health information systems. His work focuses on integrating geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and digital technologies to study natural resources, environmental systems, and public health data within a One Health framework. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Vakinankaratra and a national GIS trainer for the Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar, supporting epidemiological surveillance and spatial decision-making.